About the Festival

The Khem Comic Fest is growing exponentially and I revel in the fact that through the festival we’re providing an opportunity to bring the entire community together.

— Naseed Gifted - founder Khem Comic Fest

The Khem Comic Fest is an annual convention founded by comic book creator and educator Naseed Gifted in 2015 that features creators of comics, books, film, and other media with a focus on artists and characters of color. The goal of the event is to use comic books, animation, films and popular culture to develop youth literacy and expression through S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology Engineering, Arts and Math). The event is co-sponsored by Musuyanama, PBS Media and Malcolm X Shabazz High School of Newark, NJ.

Khem Animation Film Festival (KAFF) the newest addition to the Khem Comic Book Festival to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding creative talent we have within Animation, VFX and gaming industries. KAFF will have animation short film screenings throughout the day and an Award’s Ceremony in the evening. The Award's ceremony will take place at the prestigious Hahnes Building in Newark, NJ on Saturday the 13th of April 2019.

Support a great cause.

April is National Autism Awareness Month. Khem Comic Fest wants to bring awareness to Autism, inclusion and self-determination for all and assure that regardless of ability you are able to “Unlock the Hero within You”. As part of Khem Comic Fest efforts we want to donate a portion of our ticket sales to Autism Speaks for advance research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

About the Organizers

PBS Media

PBS Media (Phocused Black Star Media) is an innovative graphic media company that partners with the community to raise awareness and social consciousness through creative projects. Along with the development of the ongoing P.B.Soldier graphic novel series, the organization provides animation, app development, apparel, and motion comics though it’s offices located in Newark, NJ. We serve as a “bridge in the gap” of the community.

Musuyanama

Established in 2004, Musuyanama is a non-profit women's organization that aims to establish healthy networks between its members and the greater Newark community. Deriving from the West African language, Diuola (Dy-u-la), Musuyanama, meaning "Beautiful Woman" is a plateau that aspires to unite women of all races, backgrounds, and professions and provide for them a platform to be heard. Its founders, Rafiah Muhammad and Vonetta Reeves, launched Musuyanama with the purpose of bringing women into full participation in society - Sharing success, advice, and offering services to other women around the community.